I’ve been reading the many letters to the editor regarding the proposed Edgewood Road extension.
The one thing that stands out is that I haven’t seen suggestions or alternative solutions for gaining better access to Coshocton Road merchants.
Consider the new condos and apartments towards the east end of Coshocton Road.
An Edgewood Road extension does not help those in the new growth area wanting to head towards Columbus.
Perhaps a reasonable alternative is to use Upper Gilchrist as a means to access RT 229 which is a state route. Note that Upper Gilchrist is already a three-lane road between Rt 36 and Yauger Road.
This portion also leads to businesses and soon a second hotel. as well as easy access to the shopping strip where Rural King and others.
The intersection of Upper Gilchrist and Yauger yields direct access to KCH and the Yauger Road subdividson.
So why not just continue towards New Gambier Road and continue with Upper Gilchrist extension directly south, over the hill — veer West behind the homes on New Gambier Road, which is open pasture, and tie into East Star Road at the entrance of East Star?
A quick left turn and you’re at Rt 229.
This route also gives better access to those coming from the south end of town to the east end Coshocton Road shopping, theater, and restaurants.
This solution offers considerably less disruption than an Edgewood Road expansion and would reduce through traffic on Coshocton Road.
Miki Dudevszky
Mount Vernon, Ohio